Author Topic: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL  (Read 2228 times)

Pinder

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Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« on: March 27, 2023, 00:59:14 »
So on my to do list was to replace the subframe bushings. I read all the material I could find on this site. I ordered the (febi  ones sold by authentic  classics ) and spent this Sunday afternoon replacing them . I was afraid to do this job based on other’s experience in getting them fitted. I took Joe and Dr benz advice to do one side at a time and it actually was not so bad to do.  I still need to do passenger side but I feel I’m getting good at it now. Only issue I had was I had to remove the fan so I could drop the fan shroud so it not bump into the power steering front bolt which occurs when you drop the front axel.  I used a leaver to creat just enough space to push the bushing in the gap between frame and  front suspension. I did not need to disconnect brakes.  I feel good about how things are going. I think am stronger than average despite getting old. It helps.
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

Pinder

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2023, 01:09:22 »
I also need to mention some great posts by Tyler who said to remove the bolts on the torsion bar.

Thank you. I could not have done this without being a member of this site.

Regards

   Pinder
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

Jordan

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2023, 01:33:38 »
Thanks Pinder.  You always give me confidence to do something I question.  I have followed many of your threads and have been able to complete many tasks I may not have attempted without.  We are ALL getting older and keeping the brain functional is all part of the process.  If you and I make it to Chicago I have a few beer of other libations at your disposal.
Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed

Pinder

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2023, 12:38:17 »
Thank you for the kind words.  Ill update here once I'm done with the passenger side. I did things a little differently than a few other posts.

Regards

  Pinder
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

Pinder

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2023, 00:17:29 »
Ok both mounts are in. The passenger side was a little harder and I hat to undo the engine mount so that the intake manifold / throttle body did not hit the body frame . I also needed to support the engine via the oil pan and then using a pry bar pushed down pretty hard and squeezed the old one out and new one in.  It’s a bit fiddly  to put the 4 bolts  in so the light up. But not too bad. Now I need to put my fan back in which I removed so it won’t damage my radiator. In the process I’ve lost one of the fan bolts. It seemed to have vanished. Once I find that I can finish it up.

I feel good that I have now replaced both body mount bushings and the trans mount. Rear trail arm doughnuts and bushings as well as the axel suspension mount in the trunk.   I love the fact that all of these items can be done with basic tools.

I can state as fact that all needed replacing.
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

Davek1

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2023, 09:54:45 »
I think you will really notice a difference, sounds like we are on the same path. I found the four bolts under the manifold a bit of a pain to line up but got there in the end. Roll on the summer.

ja17

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2023, 15:36:21 »
Sometimes I temporarily use a couple small threaded studs installed in the two of the holes of the new mount, to help alignment. After I get two of the standard bots started I remove the studs and install the other two. Be aware that the four bolts on the SL are longer than the bolts of the sedans. Also you might want to run a tap through the four bolt holes on the new mount since the factory paint on the threads can make starting the bolts a little more difficult!
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Pinder

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2023, 22:54:28 »
I used two screw drivers to help align while i threaded the new bolts in. it was a bit fiddly but i managed to get it done. Took car for a ride and all good. the mounts I installed are by febi. old ones were shot.  Engine sits better now and much easier to put the nozzle/snorky from the air filter housing to the throttle body. it lines up perfectly and i have more clearance at the rear of the engine.

On the passenger side I didn't need to remove the CSV. I was able to get a joint on to my extension / ratchet that help clear the CSV. I used the jack handle on the rachet to break loose the 19mm nut on the top of the mount. Also i did not need to disconnect the brake hose, If you tun the wheel in it gives it enough slack.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2023, 23:08:30 by Pinder »
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

Pinder

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #8 on: March 29, 2023, 23:15:36 »
just took another test drive and I must say it does seem to ride better. i think its just overall smoother shifting gears and braking. Not sure why but I am happy with the results of all the bushing replacements.
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

Ed Riefstahl

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #9 on: March 30, 2023, 01:03:30 »
Hey Pinder,
You're really making me think after following your posting. I've just finished replacing all the rear bushing on my 66, plus motor mounts (which were really bad) and sway bar bushings today.

I've looked closely at the sub frame bushings over the last several weeks. They are the same bushings that were on the car when we got it 21 years ago. They don't look too bad to me, but looks can be deceiving too. The motor mounts didn't look too bad either, until I got them out. They fell apart in my hands.

Wondering if I should consider changing them out too. I hadn't planned on it, but could sure could, even if it's at a little later date. Can't be much harder than those  motor mounts I wouldn't think. That was a tougher job on this car than I had expected.

Regards,
Ed Riefstahl
 

Pinder

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #10 on: March 30, 2023, 01:18:17 »
Mine were definitely bad as when I jacked up the car with jackstands on the body. I could see that the mounts were in two parts. The rubber was separated. In the pictures I posted I put the top of the mount into the bottom. They came out in two pieces. They were easier to do than the engine mounts. If I had a helper it would have been easier but can be done by yourself.
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

Pinder

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #11 on: March 30, 2023, 01:25:39 »
I will post picture of my old mounts so you can see what they look like when they are totally failed. 
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver

Pinder

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Re: Subframe bushing replacement 1970 SL
« Reply #12 on: March 31, 2023, 20:12:26 »
Here is what my subframe mount looked like once removed. You can see it has completely separated from the rubber meaning the bolt that went to the subframe is not attached to the body . It’s just in place due to the weight of the car.  It’s a good thing I replaced it. I could see something was wrong when I jacked the body up and when looking at the mount I could see the brass color cone shape which is supposed to be fused to the rubber the rubber. I think this failure could be caused by years of jacking it up from the frame and not the subframe? Or maybe it’s just old rubber.
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver